After a hard nosed season in the teeth smashing NHL farm system, you've
finally slap shot your way into the pros. Now you're just another no name
rookie up against the finest fore-checkers ever to grace the rink.

You've got confidence, and with stick in hand you're looking to bring home the
cup, win MVP, make the covers of major sports magazines, and date a beautiful
New York model (not necessarily in that order).

But you'll soon learn that in this league nothing's ever given to you, and
before you can reach your goals - you gotts score 'em! You've gotta possess
both the artful skill of a finesse player and the bone crushing brutality of
an enforcer. You've gotta defend the goal against unrelenting power plays.
And, finally, defend yourself when anger flares, gloves come off, and fists
start flying.

So strap on Blades of Steel, and prepare to make a name for yourself. Or be
put on ice by the hottest hit men in hockey!

How To Begin

Blades of Steel consists of three grueling periods with non-stop action. Use
the joystick to choose either (1) or (2) player mode, then hit the Fire
Button.

One Player Mode:
If only one player takes the ice, you'll face off against
tough computer competition. Begin by using the joystick for
"Exhibition" or "Tournament" play. Press Fire Button to lock on your selection.

Next, use the joystick to decide on one of three challenging levels -
Junior (for beginners), College (for intermediate) or Pro (for advanced). Lock
on your choice with the Fire Button.

Finally, use the joystick to choose the team you wish to captain, and
again lock on with Fire Button. Then select the team name for your computer
opponent by repeating this step.

Note: If you've chosen the Tournament mode, the computer will automatically
select the opposing team. At the conclusion of the Tournament selection
process, hit the START Button to display the standings.

Two Player Mode: If you're challenging a friend, you both pick a team using
the joystick, locking on with the Fire Button. In two player mode you cannot
select Tournament play or Level.

If for any reason you want to change your selections in either mode before the
game begins, hit the [F3] Button to repeat the process.

When all decisions are final, press the Fire Button to bring the teams onto the
ice for a stick slashing good time!

The Konami Arena

This 70,000 seat mega arena is sold-out until the year 2010. Luckily, you've
got the best seat in the house: Center Ice.

Offensive Control

Joystick
Move joystick to maneuver player with puck in eight different directions.

Passing
Aim the player controlling the puck toward a teammate, then press Fire Button to
make a precision pass.

Shooting
Press to shoot. Note: Shots are automatically aimed at the moving arrow in
front of the defender's goal.

Defensive Control

Move joystick to maneuver flashing defender in eight different directions. Also press
to control your goalie who should be kept in line with the moving arrow at all
times. Note: Press UP and DOWN to move goalie left and right. Press LEFT and
RIGHT to move him in and out.

Press Fire to switch control of your flashing man to the defender nearest the puck.

Rules Of Engagement

Face-offs
At the beginning of each period, and after icing calls, the ref will line up
the teams for a traditional, quick wristed face-off. The first player to hit
the Fire Button when the puck is dropped will get the first shot to strike
offensively.

Icing calls
Icing occurs when a player shoots from his own territory and the puck slides
the length of the rink, past the opposing team's goal, without being touched.
When the opponent takes control of the puck from behind his net, icing will
be whistled and a face-off will occur.

Slashing & checking
If a player gets too rough (if that's really possible in this sport) a fight
will break out or a penalty will be called. This usually happens if you
repeatedly check the opponent.

If there's a fight, the screen will switch to a battle mode, and the loser of
the fight will be sent to the penalty box for a set time.

If there's a penalty called, a penalty shot will be awarded to the player who
was victimized by the slasher.

You Gotta Fight (For Your Right To Victory)

Hockey greats are generally known to have short fuses, and in Blades of Steel,
that stereotype explodes into full blown fight scenes when the fore-checking
gets outta control!

How to duke it out
Get in your best shots by punching Fire Button. To cover up and protect your good
looks, press Fire Button for the classic rope-a-dope stance.

Also use the Joystick, moving UP or DOWN together with the Fire Button to
throw blows to either the chin or stomach. And press together with the Fire
Button to raise or lower your guard.

By the way, if you lose the fight and get knocked on your tail, you'll be sent
to the penalty box, giving your opponent a Power Play. Your team won't return
to full strength until a referee blows the whistle.

The Penalty And The Overtime Scene

If a fight breaks out and the ref intervenes before fists are bruised, a
penalty shot will be awarded. If a game ends tied, 5 overtime bonus shots are
taken by each team, with the victor ultimately decided by the guy with the
most extra goals. If the game remains evenly knotted after the 5 shots, it's
on to a one shot Sudden Death finale!

How to take control during penalties and overtime
If you're the slap shooter, use the Joystick to aim your shot, then press
Fire Button. If you're defending the net, use the Joystick together with the
Fire Button to try and block the shot. NOTE: By using the Joystick, there are
eight different points you can shoot at or defend.